Blake's Mistake

By wildstraydog

Chapter Twelve: Family Matters

Now that most of the holiday is over, I'll return to work and fanfiction. I personally like this chapter, so hopefully you'll all have the same sentiments as me. Man's Best Friend is after this and then my other story The Heat, but after that the first chapter of my other Jaune story will be published, and I put a lot of work into it.

Also if you get the chance, check out my Nora and Jaune story, The Craziest Things. I don't know when the next chapter will come out, depends on you guys really, but juggling five stories might be tough. Anyway, please read and review, and Rooster Teeth owns RWBY, not me.

A stray lock of blonde hair obscured the left side of Jaune's apparent older sister's face as she leaned against the opened door with a groggy gaze. Blake was somewhat astonished by the beautiful woman who was related to Jaune – and he was supposed to have six others? His sister ruffled her disheveled hair and widened her eyes, pulling Jaune into a tight hug, the cracking of bones audible to Blake's ears.

"O-Olive... I can't breathe," Jaune struggled to whimper out as his sister increased the hold. A mischievous look entered her blue orbs as she cackled.

"How long has it been Jaune? Do you know how worried Mom is right now? Not a single letter or call for months on end... punishment is the least of your worries." Olive's angelic but menacing voice was burrowed into her mind – this was not a woman to mess with.

"And who... is this lovely girl?" Olive released Jaune onto the floor in a crumbled mess as she approached Blake with a sly grin.

The predatory gaze that Olive's blue orbs locked onto Blake were unsettling, the tall girl circling her with occasional nods. She watched as Olive crossed her arms and approached, their faces only several inches away, a slight hum escaping the woman's plump lips. She wasn't fond of stares but something felt... off. A shiver ran down her spine as a feeling of fear encompassed her mind, a torrent of emotions passing through all at once.

What was it that made her afraid of Jaune's sister?

"Calm down, little cat," Olive cheekily spouted, breaking her from her thoughts. "Just a little trick of mine using aura-a great intimidation technique I learned." Was that possible, to manipulate someone's aura to induce irrational fear? Her caution was justified.

"My name is Blake Belladonna, a classmate of Jaune's."

"From Beacon? Can't believe my little brother was able to bag a beauty like you." A flush arose on her cheeks at the comment.

Jaune rushed to his Sister's side and waved his hands uncontrollably. "N-No, Blake isn't my girlfriend, Olive, just a friend." Olive tilted her head with a frown – was that a look of disappointment?

"A shame," what a blunt response, "Well get in here, and don't mind the mess." She did as ordered, following Jaune into the apartment to be greeted by the smell of noodles and a hint of chicken.

For such a beautiful girl, the opposite could be said of her living conditions. Sprawls of newspapers and magazines littered the floor, while empty pizza boxes and containers were stacked on a chipped table in the corner. A large TV sat mounted on the wall where Lisa Lavender talked of tax breaks and recent White Fang incursions.

The apartment was rather large, with a kitchen and two bedrooms that appeared brand new; the living room was a different story. Pillows and blankets lie on the black leather couch, with a coffee table in front with stacks of books on different topics of research and a lone dictionary. But what caught Blake's attention was her setup near the window looking down at the cityscape.

A large computer perched on an office table was on, and in several different panels were documents that were typed out. The corner of the screen read: "Article pending for Vale Daily News". So Jaune's sister was a journalist.

"I see you're still busy as ever," Jaune remarked with a laugh. Olive pushed him with a light shove and sat down next to her computer, spinning on her revolving red chair.

"Not all of us aspire to be grand Huntresses in the vein of our ancestors, nor run off like a fool and get ourselves almost killed," Olive motioned to the crutches with a glare, the venom in her lilt voice evident.

"Oh this... it was an accident-"

"It was my fault," She declared immediately without thought. There was no lying anymore. Olive's eyes perked up, her brows twisting for a second as she studied her expression, searching for cracks in her resolve. She wouldn't find any.

"Oh really," Olive hissed, "So you accept all responsibility for my brother's condition?" she stood from her chair and stepped up to Blake, arms folded, intensifying her glare as their eyes met. Jaune was about to intervene until Olive broke the silence.

"I like honest women Blake." Huh?

"You're not angry?"

"Of course I am, you almost got my brother killed," Olive explained in a nonchalant attitude, poking a finger in her chest. "But if Jaune trusts you, who am I to judge?" Blake was beginning to see how they were related.

"I... thank you, and sorry," she was only able to mutter in confusion and shock.

"Wait," Jaune asked with a puzzled look, "How did you know I was injured?" Olive's lips curled into a large grin as she began to giggle.

"Oh Jaune, you really underestimate my inquisitive skills. I knew you joined Beacon months ago after doing a little digging. You really think mom wouldn't ask for my help? Besides, I didn't know Blakey here was responsible until she admitted it." Blake was impressed; Jaune's sister was cunning and calculating, a match for any Huntsman or Huntress.

"Impressive," Blake noted.

"It also helps when the Headmaster of Beacon tells you everything." Now that made more sense. Ozpin wouldn't keep any family member in the dark about their children's progress – it was a school after all.

"Oh... so you knew this whole time. How come you didn't contact me?" A scoff escaped from his sister, and she made her way to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

The pop of a bottle rang through the room as Olive started guzzling the beer, the condensation sliding down the glass. "It shouldn't be my job to make you reach out to your family-that's a decision you need to make." Blake was enjoying the exchange far more than she should have.

The tidbits of information she gained about Jaune was priceless. Wait until the others heard about this, especially Yang.

"I'm sorry," Jaune almost whimpered, "I promise to call Mom and Dad before I leave." Olive gave an affirmative nod and pointed at Blake.

"So Jaune, explain to me why a wanted fugitive from Atlas and Vale is standing in my apartment?" It wasn't the icebreaker in a conversation, but she had a right to know. Blake let out a sigh and took a seat on the couch.

Jaune scurried around the room to see if he could make some coffee or tea at the behest of his sister. An unnatural atmosphere of silence filled the room as the tapping of keys echoed. Olive's fingers danced away at the keyboard, filling the once empty blank space with hundreds of sentences – Blake felt ignored and shunned.

The scent of brewed coffee beans entered her nostrils as Jaune walked over to the table with a pot. He carefully poured the contents into the only set of glass cups that Olive seemed to own, his hands shaking from the task. Olive whirled around in her seat and took a quick sip, letting loose a grunt of approval, much to Jaune's delight (and relief).

Blake didn't like being in the dark, and that was how she felt with Olive Arc. The woman was an enigma; she was able to read others emotions so handily, but at the same time appeared disorganized and sluggish. But that stare... that concentrated aura was from years of training.

"I have to admit," Blake started with a calm sip of coffee. She would have to compliment Jaune later. "Jaune and you are nothing alike, is it like that with all his sisters?" Olive launched into a chuckle, almost spewing her drink onto the table and floor.

"Hah, you could say that. Our mother coddled him the most-definitely the weakest of us. Pretty clueless as well, but real useful around the house." Blake noticed the glare Jaune shot his sister as she continued to giggle.

"Meet the trouble child Blake," Jaune managed to whisper.

"Enough about the past, why did you come here Jaune?" Blake managed to hide the faint twitching of her ears, but she was still nervous.

"I... no, we need your help, Sis. Can Blake stay here until things cool down? It won't be long, just until the two of us sort things out." How Jaune managed to stay calm in his explanation was baffling – then again he was sweating bullets upon further inspection.

Olive set down her cup and folded her arms beneath her ample breasts, her grin disappearing. "Let me get this straight," she almost growled, "You're asking me to let a wanted criminal hide in my apartment? Not to mention one that admitted she was responsible for your injuries?"

She has a point...there was no reason to trust her.

Everything she said was true. Jaune's familial relations wouldn't aid her in the situation. And could she really blame her? She almost trusted no one, and if a stranger walked in and asked for sanctuary – most would turn her away. There was nowhere for her to hide from Adam's search, and eventually the Atlas military would find her trail.

"Enough," Jaune yelled, surprising both girls. "I came here looking for help Olive, but if you don't care... then we'll leave." He stomped over to where she was sitting and beckoned her to get up.

"Stop with the theatrics Jaune, she can stay." Blake and Jaune's heads shot up and stared at Olive as she finished her coffee with a resounding sigh.

"Y-you will?!"

"Yes... but we have to do something about her appearance." Blake looked down to examine her dirty clothes and ragged hoodie. His sister wasn't wrong.

The same scent of booze assaulted Qrow every morning, and today wasn't an exception as he rolled off the couch in his motel. Who needed an alarm, he had the floor. Thankfully carpet met his brow as he groaned and stretched his arms out, the rays of the sun blinding his glazed eyes. Qrow let out a small burp and checked his scroll – damn it was past noon?!

Unusual for him to sleep in.

Boy the academy hadn't changed, Qrow mused as he stumbled across the campus, kicking a lone pebble on the concrete. It took him only fifteen minutes to get to Beacon by a dust ship, and finding Ozpin's hangout wouldn't take but a few minutes, so at least Glynda wouldn't have a reason to fuss at him. He wanted to visit his nieces... nah they would be ok, his business was more important right now.

The hum of the elevator really bothered him; Ozpin needed some music to lighten up the trip to his fantastical office, and he wasn't exaggerating that word. How many clocks did you need in one room? He pulled out his canteen and took a swig of the whiskey inside – he liked to change it up every day, make things more interesting.

The doors slid open and immediately the grunt of disapproval from Glynda entered his ears. Qrow put on his best smile and lumbered into the room with a wave. The pair hadn't changed a bit: Ozpin still drinking that awful coffee, while Glynda still held a stern but beautiful look. The only surprise was the absence of a certain General.

"Yo, did you guys miss me?"

Glynda huffed in annoyance and lifted her glasses with her index finger. "That is how you greet us after no contact for months? I'm surprised you even made it to your own appointment on time!" Nope, she hadn't changed.

"I was busy, what can I say?" Qrow replied with an aloof laugh. He sat himself in the cozy green linen chair opposite of Ozpin's desk.

"Qrow... a lot of things have occurred since your departure."

"New chair," Qrow asked with enthusiasm, digging his fingers into the surface. "You really should change up the place." Glynda was about to reprimand him for his manners, until Ozpin lifted his hand.

"What do you have to report?"

Not much, would be the answer...nothing that would satisfy them or the General. The Queen was on the move with her pawns, and he knew their objective. "They're here Ozpin," he grumbled, "As for why, I don't know, but their strong...Ironwood's a fool if he thinks they're afraid of his so-called fleet."

"If what you say is true, that makes things even more complicated. Do you know of Miss Belladonna's run-in with Adam Taurus?" Qrow had overheard it on the televisions, not that he wouldn't find out since it involved Beacon. Plus she was on his niece's team.

"Are you suggesting the Queen is involved?" Glynda mused.

"Perhaps," Ozpin lowered his mug and set it on the desk, throwing a file toward Qrow. "What do you know of Taurus?" Qrow opened the vanilla folder and whistled.

"Nice record-keeping."

Adam Taurus, he knew the name: a powerful member of the White Fang who rose in the ranks, participating in several infiltration missions. According to Ozpin's file, Taurus was considered a class S criminal by the Atlas military. His former partner was Blake Belladonna who, in unknown circumstances, abandoned the terrorist group. And now he was working for the Queen... what did she want with them?

Ozpin informed him that the CCT was hacked weeks ago, so she at least had access to most of the school's information network. That meant detailed records on each student and possibly Vale's defenses. What didn't click was the purpose of causing a scene between Belladonna and Taurus; the delay in the tournament could also be involved.

Qrow really wanted to speak with his nieces now.

"I know that look," Ozpin commented with a grin, "Miss Rose and Miss Xiao Long are in capable hands, except when their causing trouble." Just like their father, or their mothers if he was serious.

"Want my opinion? Your boy Taurus is definitely involved with the Queen. And the whole 'incident' between him and Miss Belladonna was orchestrated." Glynda folded her arms and shared a look with Ozpin, but not one of surprise.

"About what we deduced." Glynda affirmed.

"I enjoy these meetings, but this one feels... unofficial?"

The illusive headmaster of Beacon coughed into his hand and shrugged, but went onto to say: "We decided, that it wouldn't be appropriate for James to attend this meeting." Qrow caught a small glint in the man's pupils.

"Oh really?" he chuckled, "And why is that?"

"..." Qrow hated the quiet, the unknown. So whenever silence filled the area, he took a drink.

"Qrow," Ozpin began in a whisper, "We want you to investigate James." The alcohol in his mouth almost spewed onto the table. With a hard gulp, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve and did a double-take.

Snoop on the General? James Ironwood, a member of their secret society, was under suspicion? Was he surprised by the notion or just the order that Ozpin blatantly asked without so much as a warning.

"What's going on? Aren't we all buddy-buddy with the General, why the sudden change of heart? If you're wrong, it will be a real pain."

"It's his priorities we're concerned about," Glynda intervened on Ozpin's behalf. She'll always be his little assistant. "The Atlas fleet is troubling, not to mention his handling with our students." Was that a look of sadness in her eyes? Impossible right?

"You're beautiful when you don't frown." A riding crop slammed on the table, barely missing his fingertips. Just like that she was scary again.

But in truth what they were asking was risky. It wasn't like he didn't look into the Atlas military before, their growing power already dangerous. James, however, he was a welcome change and an old friend of Ozpin and Glynda's – he remained cautious anyway. Yet throughout the years he remained a reliable ally and dare he say, a friend.

"I'll do my job...just don't regret this decision. In the meantime, I'm going to visit my Nieces if that's ok with you." He stood from the fancy seat and snatched his canteen from his pocket. Glynda began to protest, but he merely waved her off, not catching most of her words.

"You're just going to accept the job?!" Glynda finally blurted out as Qrow entered the elevator.

"Belladonna is somehow connected, so I'll ask Ruby what's up." Qrow shot a wink as the doors closed. He could picture the scowl on Glynda's face as the elevator hummed to life, taking another quick sip as the whiskey poured down his throat with a sting.

That kick was what he needed.

Yang and Ruby thought he was the best uncle in the world...oh how wrong they were, he was a terrible man.

Ruby was bored and restless, unable to keep her mind on the textbook as she let her mechanical pencil slide across the desk. She couldn't study, it was impossible! Sure, Jaune was helping Blake out, but not knowing the specifics of his plan was killing her. Her mood was plenty obvious by the looks Yang was giving – that and the glares from Weiss.

Why did she have to do school work anyway?! The four of them (Blake included) were supposed to be in the tournament kicking massive butt right now, but no, it was delayed thanks to mean old Ironwood. A whole week of nothing but menial class assignments to bide the time.

She looked over at the corner to see her beloved scythe, Crescent Rose, pile up dust, a small tear dripping from her right eye. Zwei hobbled over and licked her on the cheek, somehow bringing her to smile. Ruby began to feel that craving, especially when she was anxious; sweets were the ultimate comfort food to the young Huntress.

A knock on the door broke her from the fantasy of pastries and she watched as Weiss strutted over. "Who is it-" the heiress stopped mid-sentence as she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Ruby was now curious.

"I think you have the wrong floor," Weiss struggled to say as she forced a smile. "If you're looking for the main hall you should-"

"Nah, this is right place princess," Ruby heard the familiar gravelly voice and burst up from the desk, hurling herself into the man's stomach.

"Uncle Qrow!" His quick reflexes allowed him to catch Ruby by her hoodie and lift her up as she tried to extend her tiny arms for an embrace.

"U-Uncle, this, foul smelling man?" A chuckle left Yang at the apt description.

"I'll have you know I practice good hygiene."

"Maybe you should lay off the drinks," Yang jokingly answered. "But it's good to you see again." Qrow dropped her on the ground as she enveloped him in a tight hug.

It didn't matter why Qrow was there, it was the exact pick-me-up she needed. Ruby felt the troubles of the world fade away whenever he was around – he literally was the strongest man she knew.

"Oh my gosh, why are you here, are you here for the tournament or just to see my lovely face!" Ruby couldn't control her words as she hopped up and down, until Qrow placed his rough hands on her shoulders.

"Work...which is why I'm here."

"Wait, you need to meet my team," she shot over to Weiss and presented her like some glorious prize on a game show. "This is Weiss Schnee, my partner, and you know Yang, and then we have..."

"Blake Belladonna: former member of the White Fang and alleged terrorist." Her smile dropped as memories of Blake's confession flashed by - It was months ago, but still very fresh in her mind.

"I don't care if your Ruby's uncle," Weiss snarled, "How do you know about Blake? And you just barge in here like you-" Qrow walked past Weiss and sat down next to Yang, leaning his back against the wall.

"Just like your sister princess," Weiss found her mouth agape at his comment, "It's why I'm here-got some questions about your partner." Qrow craned his neck to gaze at Yang as she held up a finger in confusion.

"What do you... want to know?"

"You were with her that night... tell me everything in detail."

For the next thirty minutes, Ruby listened as Yang retold her story to Qrow. He would occasionally nod and take a drink from his old canteen, much to Weiss' dismay and protest. She already heard the details before, but the reactions from her Uncle made it much more interesting. She loved Qrow, but his presence actually worried her...

"Jaune huh?" Qrow thought aloud.

"He's with Blake right now," Ruby added. Qrow began to scratch his stubble, sitting up from the bed with a sigh.

"Listen to me girls," Qrow announced, "You're entering into murky waters with Adam Taurus and the White Fang-there are some big fish involved." Big fish? What did he mean by that? Sounds delicious.

"Just what are you trying to imply?" Weiss asked cautiously.

"There's another side to this war... and none of you are ready. I can't tell you much right now, but this isn't just about the White Fang carrying out terrorist attacks. To be honest I've already said too much." An eerie silence filled the room as each of the Huntresses absorbed the information.

I've never seen Uncle Qrow so worried.

"You don't just expect us to give up?" Yang questioned.

"Right now, yes... leave Blake to me."

No way, Ruby couldn't fathom just lying down and letting her uncle solve all their problems. Blake was her friend and teammate, and she was the leader of team RWBY, it was her responsibility to pull Blake from the abyss. The gazes of Weiss and Yang caught her attention, but she knew they shared her ambition... they would be the ones to save Blake.

"Uncle... Qrow, I can't follow that order." Qrow's eyes widened in surprise, his brow furrowed as they locked eyes. She would not waver.

"Sorry, I'm with Ruby on this one," Yang added, roping her in a headlock. "You've been taking care of us long enough."

"It is probably foolish to agree with my inexperienced leader, but I will have to disobey that order as well..." Weiss, you're awesome.

A gruff of irritation left the grizzled drunk, and he glided his hands into his black hair. Ruby could tell she had frustrated him; the same expression would cross his face whenever she slipped up in training. "What was I expecting? If you girls insist on meddling, then your following my strict orders, understood?" It wasn't a suggestion now by his tone.

"So what should we do now?"

"Stay put while I do some reconnaissance." Qrow lifted himself from the bed and made his way to the door with a stumble in his step.

Before he closed the door, Qrow shot a small wink, his crooked smile bringing a warmth to her heart. Just knowing that her uncle was on their side filled her with renewed confidence that everything would be settled. Although Yang was probably right about the drinking.

"The wait is going to kill me," Yang mumbled as she sprawled across the hanging bunkbed. "Jaune better know what's he doing."

"And I thought I was the only one worried." Weiss said, flipping her ponytail to the side. Ruby always wondered how her tiara never fell.

"I don't think there's any reason to worry. In fact, I bet Jaune and Blake are coming up with a grand scheme to prove her innocence!"

As long as Jaune was there, Blake would be okay.

Blake did not find her circumstances favorable. Jaune's sister found it appropriate to drag her out of the apartment and into the shopping district of the capital. Jaune was forced to stay in the apartment and call his parents; that would be an awkward conversation to hear. Instead, she was being escorted by Olive Arc, into a very expensive clothing store.

The walls and shelves were lined with extravagant dresses, shirts, skirts, and cosmetics. Half of the brands Blake had never heard of, but going by Olive's excitable squeals, they must have been great. She was currently wearing a large red bow to hide her ears, and by big she meant big. It almost covered the entirety of her head.

They wandered through the store for about thirty minutes in silence-filled tension, neither attempting to initiate a conversation. Of course she needed a disguise, but why force her along on the trip? Blake wasn't dumb enough to think that Jaune needed that much time to reconvene with his parents... perhaps Olive was sizing her up.

"I got three sets of dresses and shirts for you to try on Blake," Olive interjected, "Stop being paranoid, I know that look in your eyes." She wanted to retort, but instead she let out a sigh and conceded.

"Don't worry, I'll ask questions once your dressed, then we'll head for the salon." The salon? What's wrong with her hair?

Blake didn't take the time to look in the mirror after putting everything on, but when she walked out of the dressing room, Olive went ballistic. "Damn, you look great, now we just have to fix that hair."

Again with the hair. The outfit however...it was embarrassing to say the least, more like something Weiss would be seen wearing. Blake wore a black jacket with high collars and a white corset underneath with red strings interwoven on the front, and a small frilly black skirt that reached to her knees. Instead of her normal boots, she wore red high-heels that glittered in the light – she still kept her scarf though.

She would have to agree with Ruby about high-heels; they were a pain to walk in.

"Don't worry about the cost," Olive chirped as she let the girl at the register swipe her card. She couldn't even imagine how much it all cost.

"T-thank you... Olive."

"You can repay me with conversation. Let's head to the salon." Blake struggled to follow Olive out of the store as she reacquainted herself with walking.

"So what's the deal?"

"What do you mean?"

"You and Jaune, duh." A red tint surfaced on her cheeks at the implication.

She would be disappointed with the answer. "Nothing, Jaune and I are just really good friends. He needed some help earlier in the year, and I volunteered to assist him." That was basically the truth.

"That's a shame, Jaune was never hot with the ladies. I thought at least one girl would find him interesting."

"Actually," Blake for some reason found it hard to answer, "Jaune is dating a girl named Velvet Scarlatina, a second-year student." Olive stopped on the sidewalk and turned to Blake with a wicked grin.

"Really, that's amazing, tell me about her-is she cute?" Wasn't her plan to interrogate her?

"Well, she is very beautiful, a Faunus like me, with bunny ears. She's very shy at times, but quite strong and reliable." Olive started to giggle, resting her chin in her hand as she looked up at the sky, no doubt imagining Velvet and Jaune together on a date.

"I find it strange that Jaune would go to such lengths for a mere friend. He might be overbearing and kind, but to harbor a fugitive?" What was she trying to imply? They were just friends... really close friends. But Olive was right, she didn't deserve such kindness.

"Jaune must really care about you."

"He's a gentle soul," Blake answered.

"I think there's more to it than that," Olive said with a wink, nudging Blake in the shoulder. She almost toppled over because of the high-heels.

"Don't be silly, I don't harbor any romantic feelings toward your brother. Besides, I'm already seeing someone right now." No matter what she said, Olive brushed it off as nonsensical, remaining deadest on her opinion.

"I do... appreciate all your doing for me-I won't intrude long, I have a plan of sorts."

"Oh, what kind of plan?"

"The kind you don't speak about in public."

A tiny giggle left Olive as she said: "Fair enough."

They reached a large oval building that was padded with purple spirals and sliding doors. The salon's name was engraved on the top of the building in stone, and as the two of them entered, a hologram beamed to life. For someone so lethargic, Olive was a really big spender.

"Let us enjoy ourselves Blake, because soon we won't have time for pleasantries. I've decided to do a little digging for you into Adam Taurus." An intercom announced a couple of names within the entrance, but Blake ignored everything around her once she heard his name.

"Adam... is troubled, but I know there's more at stake if he's acting so brash. Thank you Olive."

"Don't thank me just yet."

I wasn't completely satisfied with this chapter, but it was necessary buildup. I love writing for Qrow, and it's a lot easier now that his character and personality is established. Someone asked how long this series will go on, and the answer to be honest is roughly around 30 chapters. Don't worry, the ending is already planned out, so nothing is being rushed. If it's more then 30, then oh well.